Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Enjoys Induction. OSA Provides Training in Poteau. Birth Certificate Verification ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

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1 SMOKE SIGNALS 1 MARCH / APRIL 2012 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION VOLUME TWENTY-SEVEN - ISSUE TWO Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Enjoys Induction OKLAHOMA CITY As part of OSA's ongoing efforts to provide leadership and training to clubs across the state, OSA's Executive Director Sid Goodrich and Risk Management VP Mike Naumann traveled to Poteau to share ideas and methods on bringing the club back to a more active status with OSA. Also traveling to the Leflore County Soccer Club was Robin Faulkner, OSA's Risk Management coordinator and Dale Watts, Director of Publications and State Director of Referee Instruction. Director of Coaching for OSA, Kurt Luitwieler, will soon travel to the site to arrange for coach training. TULSA OSA Provides Training in Poteau OSA welcomes the LeFlore County Soccer group back to a more active status and looks forward to watching the club grow in the Kiamichi Country Association. In the photo are left to right back row: Sid Goodrich, Robin Faulkner, Stuart Ryan, Scott Webster, and Billy Adrean. Front row: Leah Ryan, Lisa Buckles, and Mike Naumann. The OSA team provided personalized training for the LeFlore County group by covering areas such as registration, risk see POTEAU, page 2 L to R: Chuck Turci, Suzi Page, Don Jones, Brian Elliott, Richard Brook, Sol Asekun, Tom Iadevaia, Dale Watts, James Cussen, Frankie Mozingo, Atef Iskander, and Clay Randolph. The ballroom at the Downtown Tulsa DoubleTree Hotel was packed with guests and friends of the six new Hall of Fame inductees on Friday, January 27. With standing room only, the crowd was treated to stories and memories from the six as they shared their feelings on becoming an Oklahoma Hall of Fame member. Victor Moreland spoke first so some of his family could attend a concert at the BOK center and Victor s introduction was handled by long time friend and Tul- see HaLL OF FAME, page 2 Birth Certificate Verification OSA and Got Soccer have provided registrars with a new administrative tool that will allow birth certificate verification to stay with the player when they register and/or transfer to other clubs/leagues. With the new procedure a box on the player's registration from will be provid- ed to enter the birth certificate number by the club registrar to record verification. The procedure will eliminate the need for providing birth certificates multiple times. ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS State Tournament Registration Deadlines... 2 US Youth Soccer and NSCAA Merge Annual Conventions... 4 AC Milan Heartland Tournament Scheduled... 4 NOKC Kickstart Program In 4th year... 8 OSA Elects Officers At Workshop... 8 OSA Adopts New Tournament Hosting Rules... 9 Upgrade Clinic For Referees Held In Stillwater... 9 Adult State Championship Cup at South Lakes OUTSIDE THE LINES... 12

2 2 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION Hall of Fame Class of 2012, story from page 1 sa sports announcer Bob Carpenter. Interspersed between acknowledging his family and friends, Victor often shared anecdotes about the Roughnecks and his friendship with fellow inductee, Charlie Mitchell. Following Victor was Sol Asekun who reminded the audience of his love for the state and Tulsa and shared his history of being Oklahoma s first USSF National Referee. Thomas McKeefery introduced Sol to the audience and recognized Sol s administrative skill as a State Referee Administrator. While he now lives in Florida, Sol still has family ties in the state through his son. Richard Brook asked his friend Atef Iskander to introduce Richard and Atef informed the audience that Richard was his mentor and provided many young referees with similar assistance. Richard spoke of his long referee career with not only club soccer, but adult, high school, and college leagues as well. He was Oklahoma s first native son to earn the USSF National badge. Brian Elliott s introduction was given by long time friend and Jenks soccer coach, John Timmons. John reminded the audience of Brian s lengthy service as a coach and supporter of OSA programs. John stressed Brian s spiritual guidance as well in matters involving friends and players. Brian shared the stage with his daughter as he recounted the many blessings he has received as player, coach, and now President of Bristow Soccer Club. Charlie Mitchell turned to his son Ian for introduction and Charlie gave a brief history of how the Tulsa Roughnecks came from Team Hawaii to Oklahoma. As with his friend, Victor, Charlie shared several stories from the NASL days and his days as a college coach at Northeastern State. The final inductee was Chuck Turci and he requested his friend Dale Watts to introduce him. Dale pointed out how Chuck was instrumental in the formation of adult soccer in the Oklahoma City area and a man who discovered soccer as a player and referee long before his children began playing. Chuck shared his philosophy that the game must remain fun for the players and not focus so heavily on winning. Following the reception, the crowd was entertained not only by the inductees who greeted all those present with their stories and remembrances but by the Tulsa band Pearadocs who played for the guests until the evening was over. State Tournament Registration Deadlines - Deadlines - Deadlines Kohl s and Governor s Cup deadline April 10 Location: Lawton, OK April President s Cup deadline March 30 Fee: $575 for U11; U12 and up: $625 Location: Preliminaries in Norman May 5-6; Semi/Finals in Broken Arrow May 12 State Cup deadline April 6 Fee: $575 for U11; U12 and up: $625 Location: Edmond Preliminaries May 19-20; Semis/Finals May President s Regional Greensboro, N.C. June 7-10 Southern Regionals Greenville, S.C. June For tournament registration, visit the OSA website under the Tournament tab. The Smoke Signals is the official publication of the Oklahoma Soccer Association and is published bi-monthly. Editorial offices are at the OSA office, 9410-B East 51st Street, Tulsa, OK Telephone is and FAX is at oksoccer@oksoccer.com. The Smoke Signals is mailed to all registered coaches, referees, association officers, subscribers, and players six times a year. Advertisers assume all liability for content of advertisements printed and therefore assume all claims against the Smoke Signals. The Smoke Signals does not publish articles or letters from anonymous contributors. Contributors must provide a daytime phone number to confirm authorship of submitted articles or letters. Opinions expressed in this publication are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication. Errors, corrections and changes are inevitable. Please accept our apologies for any inconveniences. Poteau Training, from page 1 management, recruitment of players, and referee administration information. The ability to speak on a very personal level with the club officers allows us to focus on their particular needs, says Goodrich. The OSA staff and administration can clarify many issues that occur but are difficult to communicate by either or telephone. OSA s leadership hopes this type of activity will be requested by many of the clubs who are striving to increase their player membership, provide training to their coaches, referees, and registrars/schedulers. We spent only a few hours with the officers while we were in Poteau, says Watts, but the trip and time were great investments for soccer in their community and OSA plans to continue such events when clubs request them. If your club has questions and concerns, contact your club officers and have them reach out to OSA so we can meet with the club and provide training and guidance to make administering a club an easier task. U8 Thundercats of Moore Win Uniforms Coach Jay Finks and his U8 Thundercats are the January winners of the Score team uniform giveaway contest. They will receive a complete set of jerseys, shorts, and sock for the team because they entered the contest that s posted on the OSA web site. Your team can enter and have a chance to win a set of uniforms if you are a U6, U8, or U10 OSA team. Visit the OSA web site at and enter today! Smoke Signals Story Submissions Smoke Signals welcomes story submissions from teams, clubs, leagues and associations via or FAX. If you have a story or a story idea, please or FAX us at the following addresses: oksoccer@ oksoccer.com -or- FAX: to the attention: Dale Watts OSA Tulsa Office 9410 E. 51st St. Ste. B Tulsa, OK P.O. Box Tulsa, OK OSA office in Oklahoma City 4520 Old Farm Road Oklahoma City, OK Executive Board Chairman Brandon Story Vice-Chairman Gail Wettstein Secretary/Treasurer Larry Faulkner SRA Ron Poulsen Adviser Scott Hughes Youth Board President Tom Wedding 1st Vice-President Daryn Story 2nd Vice-President Marianne Ballard 3rd Vice-President Paul Scott 4th Vice-President Risk Management Michael Naumann Secretary/Registrar Russ Lissuzzo SYRA David Ooten Adult Board President Reza Namavar 1st Vice-President Sonny Dalesondro 2nd Vice-President Tekleab Tsegay Secretary/Registrar Jalal Daneshfar SRA Ron Poulsen Editor- Dale Watts Layout & Design- Sandy Bent National Ad Director Varsity Sports Communications 1340 Lake City Way Seattle, WA

3 Hall of Fame Inductees 2012 Sol Asekun, Richard Brook, Brian Elliott, Charlie Mitchell, Victor Moreland and Chuck Turci SMOKE SIGNALS 3 Solomon Asekun Oklahoma s first United States Soccer Federation National Referees arrived in Oklahoma from his native Nigeria pursuing his career as a petroleum engineer. Born in Iperu, Nigeria, Sol (as his friends call him) played soccer all his life and in 1960 was a member of the Nigerian Green Eagles representing Nigeria at the national level. While attending college at the Imperial College of Science and Technology at the University of London in England, Sol continued to play and in 1963 was asked to join the camp of the Tottenham Hot Spurs. He had to decline the offer and return to Nigeria to honor his five year contract with the government. While working in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Sol met his future wife, Gillian. By 1973 Sol was employed in Tulsa by Amerada Hess and was recruited by East Tulsa Soccer Club to become a referee. As with most Oklahomans during this period of time, parents were enticed to become coaches or referees so their children could play soccer. Never one to back away from developing the game, Sol accepted the challenge of both coaching and refereeing. The transition from player to referee was quick for Sol as he became a referee in 1976 and then a State Referee in Venturing into the administrative side of officiating, Sol was appointed State Referee Administrator in He served in that position until he and the family, which now included sons Colin and Peter, and daughter Diane, moved away in His new employer was Aramco and his next assignment was a return to Saudi Arabi. Sol s referee career in Oklahoma was highlighted by his obtaining the United States Soccer Federation National Referee Badge while in Oklahoma. He became the first Oklahoman to receive the badge. During his short stay in Oklahoma, Sol also served as a member of the Green Country Soccer Association board and officiated NCAA soccer matches in the region. Another contribution to the development of officials in Oklahoma was Sol s interest in assessment of referees. Working with Peter Aradi (Hall of Fame Class of 2005), Sol began the development of an assessment program to evaluate referees within the East Tulsa club and across the state. During this time he also provided leadership to many Green Country Soccer Association member Area Referees in training and recertifying their referee corps. In 1980 Sol achieved his most memorable moment in soccer: I was the lines man on the New York Cosmos vs. The Rest of the World team that was actually an event to honor the retirement of Franz Beckenbauer. Pele came out of retirement to play in that match and I was there on the line. I think soccer is one of the greatest games ever played, says Sol. It builds team spirit, character, and respect for one s self and authority. The former SRA of Oklahoma now lives in Florida and enjoys his grandchildren, Eva and Rowan Asekun-Taylor who live with Diane and husband Phillip in the United Kingdom. Richard Brook In 1978 Richard Brook became a referee because his children, James and Jennifer, wanted to play in the East Tulsa Soccer Club. As with most clubs at that time, requirements for children to play included having parents either coach, referee, or volunteer. His wife Sandy opted to coach their daughter and Richard chose to referee. That decision to referee would lead him to more than 34 years of officiating, assessing, and leadership with Oklahoma s referee corps. Under the tutelage of Hall of Fame members such as Peter Aradi, Russ Staurovsky, and Atef Iskander, it wasn t long before Richard moved up through the ranks of referee, then State Referee (which he achieved in 1984), and finally the ultimate goal of all serious referees a USSF National Referee in He was the first native Oklahoman to become a National Referee and by then his reputation as one of the state s premier officials had been solidified. Players and coaches would recognize and appreciate Richard s abilities as a referee and he was rewarded for that expertise with over 8 state championship center assignments. For twelve years he was selected to attend the Region III championships as Oklahoma s representative. Richard and his fellow referees in that time never received payment for their assignments. Refereeing was voluntary and not until recent years have officials been paid to referee matches. But the love of being in the center drove him to accept assignments not only with club soccer but also high school and college games. He has been a member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Association referee corps for over 30 years as well as an Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association member. Richard currently is a State Emeritus Referee and National Emeritus Assessor for USSF. With the NISOA group he is a National Emeritus Referee and National Assessor. He has held the office of president and vice-president of the local NISOA chapter, EOISOA. According to Richard, his most memorable events include traveling to the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden with his friends Pat Stone and Atef Iskander and being selected as a referee for the US Adult Soccer Association National Women s Tournament in Dallas. During his career, Richard has served Oklahoma Soccer as State Director of Assessments and as an interim State Referee Administrator. He recently returned to the office of SDA for the State Referee Committee while working full time as a piping designer. While he is no longer accepting as many assignments as he once did, Richard still loves to referee and now enjoys watching granddaughter Alex play soccer. She is but one of Richard and Sandy s seven grandchildren. See Additional Hall of Fame Inductees, page 5

4 4 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION OSA CALENDAR MARCH 1 Broken Arrow, Coweta, Cleveland, Midwest City, Northwest Oklahoma 5 Metro Tulsa, Norman, Washington County 6 Youth Board Mtg, Davis, Sand Springs 7 Altus, Catoosa, Collinsville, NOKC, FCSA Competitive, GCSA Exec. Board, Ref Committee 8 Beaver River 12 FCSA, Owasso 13 Claremore, Elk City, Logan County, Muskogee, Mustang, Ponca City, South Lakes 14 Durant, Mayes County 19 Choctaw/Nicoma Park, El Reno, Shawnee, Stillwater, Westside 20 Chickasha, Edmond, Harrah 26 Beeline, Yukon 27 Tri-Lake 28 Bristow APRIL 2 Metro Tulsa, Norman, Washington County 3 Youth Board Mtg, Davis, Stilwell 4 Altus, Catoosa, Collinsville, NOKC, FCSA Competitive, GCSA Exec. Board, Ref Committee 5 Midwest City, Northwest Oklahoma 9 FCSA, Owasso 10 Claremore, Elk City, Logan County, Mustang, Ponca City, South Lakes 11 Durant, Mayes County 12 Beaver River 16 Choctaw/Nicoma Park, El Reno, Shawnee, Stillwater, Westside 17 Chickasha, Edmond, Harrah 23 Beeline, Yukon 24 Tri-Lake 25 Bristow 26 GCSA General Meeting Kohl s & Governor s Cup in Lawton MAY 1 Youth Board Mtg, Davis, Sand Springs 2 Altus, Catoosa, Collinsville, NOKC, FCSA Competitive, GCSA Exec. Board, Ref Committee 3 Broken Arrow, Cleveland, Inola, Midwest City, Northwest Oklahoma 5-6 Mazzio s Italian Eatery President s Cup - Norman 7 Metro Tulsa, Norman, Washington County 8 Claremore, Elk City, Logan County 9 Durant, Mayes County 10 Beaver River 12 Mazzio s Italian Eatery President s Cup-Broken Arrow 14 FCSA, Owasso, Wagoner 15 Chickasha, Edmond, Harrah, Sapulpa 17 Bixby WassCorp State Cup in Edmond 21 Choctaw/Nicoma Park, El Reno, Shawnee, Stillwater, Westside 22 Tri-Lake WassCorp State Cup in Edmond Monthly Club Meetings Clinton Red Carpet COASL Feb & Aug Tri-City Cordell Verdigris Great Plains All other clubs meet Hinton as called. Lawton United NEOASA Jan, June, Aug, & Dec US Youth Soccer and NSCAA Merge Annual Conventions Beginning 2013 Event slated for January 16-20, 2013 in Indianapolis US Youth Soccer and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), two of the nation's soccer leaders, are merging their respective annual gatherings for the first time in January 2013 to create the game's most influential event of the year. The combined convention will appeal to the entire soccer community as US Youth Soccer brings the annual US Youth Soccer Workshop to the NSCAA Convention. "To create the best, largest and most impactful opportunity for both of our respective members is our first priority," said John Sutter, US Youth Soccer president. "The benefits of exposing a larger pool of coaches and administrators to our combined efforts, our see CONVENTIONS, page 5 AC Milan Heartland Tournament Scheduled Tulsa s Sports Commission has welcomed the AC Milan experience by hosting the AC Milan Heartland tournament which features two of the most competitive AC Milan Youth teams in the Americas. The tournament was created to promote and showcase the highest level of competition and skill in the Midwest. The tournament will be held in June in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is an AC Milan Circuit tournament. The tournament (June 1-3) follows the OSA State Cup Youth tournament on Memorial Day weekend and matches will be played in several locations throughout the Tulsa metro area. More information will be forthcoming in the next few months on registration, tournament rules, and which international teams will participate in the U11 through U16 matches. Watch the OSA web site for details.

5 SMOKE SIGNALS 5 Brian Elliott Brian Elliott began playing soccer as a nine-year-old in Sedalia, Missouri, when his best friend encouraged him to sign up. Although Brian would travel to Omaha, Nebraska, and play soccer there, it wasn t until he returned to his hometown of Midwest City in 1979 that he began his connection to Oklahoma soccer. Brian touts Aladino Cassar, his coach of the Midwest City Phantoms, as a mentor who guided them to a city championship and to Danny Webb who as Brian says, Was a father figure through my high school days. By 1983 Brian was enrolled and playing soccer for Northeastern State University where he was elected team captain and an all-district player. While a student at NSU, he coached a recreational team in Tahlequah and was the shared missions and philosophies to our members, and to create the largest celebration of our sport is exciting to both US Youth Soccer and NSCAA." US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the nation, was established in 1974 with the mission to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition. "We are excited to welcome the US Youth Soccer Workshop to the NSCAA Convention," stated Joe Cummings, NSCAA CEO and Executive Director, "and look forward to growing Hall fo Fame Inductees 2012 Elliott and Mitchell, continued from page 3 high school assistant coach for another of his mentors: John Timmons. After graduating, Brian became head coach at Ponca City High School and began attaining his USSF coaching licenses. In less than ten years, he obtained the USSF National A license and had coached at Moore High School as well as working as an ODP staff coach and conducting OSA coaching schools. In 1991, he returned to NSU as an assistant coach and also served as NSU s interim head coach. My most memorable event from that time, says Brian, was winning the District 9 Championship for the first time. On the club level, Brian was coaching the Blackwatch 80 s girls squad to a state championship and still working with the OSA coaching staff and ODP. Following his time at NSU, Brian moved to Tulsa and became head coach for ORU as well as Tulsa Thunder Soccer Club s head coach. He coached the Tulsa Thunder boys 80 and 84 teams. While at Northeastern, Brian met and married his wife Kathleen and in due time they settled in Bristow, Oklahoma to raise their children: Joshua and Avery. Never far removed from coaching, Brian assisted Timmons with the Jenks High School boys through In 2008 he was named the head coach for the Union High School girls program and he continues in that position today. As an indication of his coaching ability, Annual US Youth and NSCAA Conventions Merge, story from page 4 and enhancing the Convention educational and networking opportunities for coaches, administrators and referees together. Bringing the US Youth Soccer Workshop to the NSCAA Convention is extremely beneficial to the membership of both organizations." Founded in 1941, the NSCAA's mission is to help its members excel in their coaching careers as well as advance the coaching of soccer, thereby improving players, through a commitment to provide the best coaching education, convention and member services and benefits to the soccer community. The 2013 NSCAA Convention will be held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis January 16-20, Brian has been selected All-State coach twice and president of the Oklahoma Soccer Coaches Association. During the past ten years, Brian has worked to create and develop a soccer program in the Bristow area. He currently coaches Joshua and has done so since the youngster was 4. His daughter, Avery, attends all of her father s camps and joins in on the activities. Not one to shirk his duties, Brian is also the club s president and head coach. A firm believer in soccer, Brian has devoted endless hours of his time without compensation to grow the game of soccer in Oklahoma. His philosophy is summed by his statement: Soccer is a game to be played to have fun and compete. It s not striving to win; it s striving to get better every day because every emotion you feel in soccer you will feel in life. Charlie Mitchell Charlie Mitchell may be considered Oklahoma s first professional soccer player. The Paisley, Scotland native arrived in Tulsa as the only player retained from the Team Hawaii squad that became the Tulsa Roughnecks. As most young Scottish lads, Charlie began playing the game at age 5 or 6 and then on a competitive high school team. By the age 17 he signed a professional contract and played for St. Mirren F.C. In 1970, Charlie came to the United States to play in the North American Soccer League for the Rochester Lancers. For one year, Charlie joined the New York Cosmos before traveling to Hawaii in Charlie played for the Roughnecks for one year, but returned in 1980 to manage the team for two years and be a part of the largest soccer crowd (31,000) watching the Roughnecks defeat the New York Cosmos 2-1. After eleven years with the NASL, Charlie returned to Oklahoma to establish a soccer club and begin training Oklahoma youth in the skills necessary to compete at a regional and national level. In 1997 he established the Bixby Highlanders Futbal Club and became their Director of Coaching. Under his leadership the club has advanced teams to state championships and regional competitions. College coaching became Charlie s next role with Oklahoma soccer as he became the head coach for the Northeastern State University squad in His first season with the Redmen led them to an 18-2 season and the conference playoffs for the first time. He then started a women s program at the college and coached them as well. During this time, Charlie did what so many of his soccer players in Europe do, opened a pub. It seemed to be a natural move, said Charlie. In 1981 Charlie Mitchell s Restaurant and Pub opened with several Tulsa locations. Although those locations closed after years of success, Charlie has recently returned to the restaurant business with many of the same items on the menu as in the past. While highly visible in the Tulsa area for his playing and coaching, much of his contribution to soccer in Oklahoma has remained low key. Developing soccer in Oklahoma has been a goal of his since those early Roughneck days when he and the players would travel around the area giving away tickets and putting on clinics. Charlie continued that by volunteering many hours as a coach for the Olympic Development Program in Oklahoma as well as mentoring many young coaches. Another trait of Charlie is to share the growth of soccer in Oklahoma with his former teammates on the Roughnecks and volunteers. The most successful youth soccer programs all stem from towns that had professional teams, says Charlie. Soccer is competsee HALL OF FAME, page 6

6 6 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION itive in Oklahoma because former players have stayed around and got involved in coaching. He also praises the moms and dads and volunteers for their contributions. None of the youth soccer would survive without them and they are not appreciated enough. While professional soccer lured Charlie Mitchell to Oklahoma, it was Oklahomans and their friendliness who kept him here and embraced his love and passion for the game of soccer. Victor Moreland Victor Moreland arrived in Oklahoma in 1978 on loan from his Glentoran Soccer Club to play for the Tulsa Roughnecks in the North American Soccer League. Little did the native of Belfast, Ireland know that his future would include settling down in Tulsa and raising a family and beginning his own soccer club. Encouraged by his father to play the game, Victor began playing at age 15 and was signed at age 16. After one year with the Roughnecks in 1978, Victor returned to Glentoran and was sold to England s Derby County (a Division I squad) through While on the Derby squad he played against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea teams. His biggest thrill of that era was scoring a goal against Peter Shilton of England. In 1981, Noel Lemon of the Roughnecks bought Victor s contract and he was back in Tulsa through the 1984 season and the NASL Soccer Bowl Championship. Always a fan favorite, Victor and Lynn were married at TU s Sharp Chapel Hall fo Fame Inductees 2012 Moreland and Turci, continued from page 5 but repeated the ceremony at a Roughneck match in When the NASL folded, Victor moved around the United States playing for teams in Chicago, Dallas, Wichita, and Ft. Lauderdale. By 1995, Victor was ready to step away from playing and started the Tulsa Nationals Soccer Club with Union Soccer Club in Tulsa. The Irish midfielder who played in over 900 professional games, was capped 9 times while playing for his Northern Ireland National team, and captained three championship teams, still maintains a friendship with teammate Billy Caskey and a host of other teammates from around the world. Settling in Tulsa, Victor and Lynn and their three children (daughter Tricia, sons Justin and Matthew) soon became a family involved in coaching soccer and developing players for both Green Country and Oklahoma Soccer. Justin was on his father s 85 squad and then attended Vanderbilt University and the University of Tulsa playing soccer. Matthew also played club soccer in goal and then attended the University of Oklahoma as a kicker. The Morelands now have four grandchildren: Hannah Pauling; Savannah, Avery, and Jackson Davis. Victor s experiences and knowledge of the game was shared with hundreds of youth soccer players as he coached his boys Tulsa Nationals teams to state championships and regional and national tournaments. Those teams are special to him and he continues to enjoy their successes off the field. Victor s philosophy of coaching is summed up in his mission statement for his Tulsa Nationals Soccer Club: founded in 1995 on the principles of developing proper soccer skills, etiquette and gamesmanship to local area players. He appreciates the mentorship of such coaches and players as Danny Blanchflower, Walter Bruce, Gordon Jago, Tommy Docherty, and Wim Suurbier. Victor stresses to his players to listen, play hard, learn, and enjoy. Victor s latest coaching assignment is with both boys and girls teams and according to wife, Lynn, he loves coaching them both. For a man who has played on the field with such greats as George Best, Kenny Dalglish, John Cryuff, Johan Neeksens, Frans Beckenbauer, and Georgio Chinaglia, it is only fitting that he is now sharing that love of the game with the youth of Oklahoma. Charles Turci Charles Chuck Turci was introduced to soccer when he used it as a conditioning event for his cross country team at Casady. The John Marshall graduate found that the players enjoyed the game as did he. Peter Buttenheim, Casady s soccer coach and early contributor to the creation of OSA, provided Chuck with tips on the game. After leaving Casady to pursue graduate work at OU, Chuck met the captain of the OU soccer team and agreed to be the faculty sponsor as well as playing for the squad. By 1970, Chuck had played for OU for two years and considered his connection with soccer over. But that was not to be. In 1977 he was asked by Andy Sullivan, president of the Central Oklahoma Soccer Club, to be an assistant coach and a requirement was to attend a rules meeting. After the meeting, Chuck began taking more courses on officiating and eventually became an official USSF referee. His first match was between OCU and OBU as a linesman. The referee didn t show and Chuck accepted the match even though it was his first as a registered USSF referee. When Sullivan stepped down as Central s president, Chuck accepted the position and thus began a long association with the Frontier Country Soccer Association and what would become Central Oklahoma Adult Soccer League. It was under Chuck s leadership that COASL was founded in 1979 and he became their first president and held various offices through Working with Don Jones and Tom Iadevaia, Chuck was able to get COASL sanctioned by OSA and the COASL charter accepted in During this time Chuck continued to referee and became a State level referee as well as attaining his Instructor license. He also officiated college matches and was the center of the first Oklahoma City girls high school match. He was elected chairman of the Oklahoma City referee unit in 1981 and promised his wife Alden he would not accept any more offices in soccer. It was a promise he could not keep. Alden began playing for a women s team. The OKC Blues, and Chuck eventually accepted their offer to be the coach of the team. The Blues won their division that fall and even won the Sooner State Games numerous times. After an injury in 1986, Chuck resigned as the Blues coach but then accepted the coaching position with another team, the Rockets, and guided them to division championships. In 1987 Ed Michaud contacted Chuck to oversee the soccer games in the Sooner State Games. He managed that event for two years and it drew over 2,000 soccer players. By 1991, Chuck had retired from active playing but continued coaching his daughter Lara and being involved in the NOKC Royals club. Chuck reached out to Wayne Ewing in 1998 and began work on becoming a State Emeritus referee. Ewing, then SRA, requested that Chuck return to instructing and he began the process of becoming a State Instructor, which he attained in He also attained the position of State Assessor during this time and continues to offer his services at state events across Oklahoma as a mentor and guide.

7 SMOKE SIGNALS 7 36 year anniversaries are not often thought of as special, but it will certainly be one for me. Thirty-six years ago my oldest son began his first season of soccer. Following that early spring of 1976 came years of coaching, refereeing, administrative offices, and chalking fields (back when we used chalk instead of paint!). As with most parents of my generation, soccer was not a sport offered to us so we gained our knowledge of the sport with our children. Eventually we all figured out offside and that the fullback position did not mean you carried the soccer ball with your hands. But this spring I will attend my granddaughter s first soccer game. Ella Kate will take the field with her U6 team and the field will be smaller, the ball smaller, the goals smaller, and the team size only three against three. In 1976, U6 s and U8 s played 11 v 11 on a nearly full-sized field with regulation goals. Watts What By Dale Watts, Editor Generally, the team to kick off would drive the ball into the opposing half of the field and the game would stay there for quite some time with as many as twenty little bodies flailing away at a soccer ball that was nearly knee-high to them. Eventually a player would kick the ball with tremendous gusto and thanks to the prevalent Oklahoma wind, the ball would enter the opposite end of the field. Cheers would erupt for the marvelous kick and the herd of twenty would chase it into the opposite end of the field and the process would begin again. Even though every player received an end-of-the-year trophy for participation, scores were kept and victories were celebrated while losses were down played with extra orange slices or promises of an ice cream cone. Somehow the players survived those early years and grew to understand the game and its beauty regardless of the lack of knowledge of most parent coaches and not psychologically harmed by the concept of losing. So have we gone off track with the everyone wins concept? Folks like to quote Vince Lombardi s statement: winning isn t everything, it s the only thing but I m not in favor of that standard for youth sports. However, there is something to be said for the acceptance of loss in that you learn from the experience. As a coach for many years, I learned that when my teams were winning it was difficult to correct their errors. Only when they met defeat did they reevaluate their play and their skills. It would have been great if I had coached a team to a perfect season but it never happened. So here s the point OSA has now allowed U10 teams to participate in the Governor s Cup and compete for the Bill Boevers' U10 State Championship boys trophy. The girls will also compete. I m pretty sure Bill would approve. There will be a winner and a loser in that final match. And several teams will have lost out during the tournament, but it s my belief that most players won t carry that loss very long. Like most youngsters and athletes they will instead turn to the next episode of their life next week s game or a trip to get an ice cream cone. On March 3 I will be watching, and laughing, and cheering for EK s team to enjoy the game win or lose. Winning and losing are part of sport. You can tell the kids we re not keeping score, but they know better. We should too. And a double dip of chocolate ice cream makes nearly everything better. Coaching Courses No coaching courses are currently scheduled during March and April, but check the OSA web site at for upcoming courses. Referee Courses No referee courses are currently scheduled for March and April. No courses will be scheduled after April 1, 2012 because the 2012 registration year ends June 1. All referees must attend recertification courses beginning in August to register for 2013.

8 8 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION NOKC Kickstart Program In 4th year OSA Elects Officers At Workshop If you look closely at the emblem for the Kickstart Soccer League Oklahoma City, you will see a white soccer ball with a black puzzle piece on it. The puzzle piece represents children with autism who also can learn to play soccer. The fourth Kickstart season and third one at NOKC Soccer Club is coming up at Field D of the club in northwest Oklahoma City, N Portland Ave. Kickstart gives children with autism, Asperger's syndrome and other related or similar conditions, a chance to learn the sport and interact with others as part of a team. With the help of NOKC Soccer club president Gabi Noble, the cost to players is just $10 thanks to the club's affiliation with the TopSoccer program for children with special needs. Typical children are encouraged to join and can learn soccer skills, compas- sion and sportsmanship while serving as peer models to the other children just by playing. Metro area high school soccer teams and other volunteers have pitched in as helpers for the project the past several seasons. This spring a sign-up day will be at 2 p.m. at the club field D on Saturday, March 10. The first day of soccer will be March 31 through May 26 with no soccer on April 14 and May 19 for club tournaments. High school teams interested in participating this year are being sought. For more information send an to coach and organizer Robert Medley at rrrrmed@sbcglobal.net or call A Facebook group page is at groups/ / Following the bylaw changes voted on to change the Annual Meeting date for the spring AGM from May to the date of the OSA Soccer Workshop, several officer elections on the Adult and Youth Board were held. Scott Hughes, OSA s former Youth Board President and current Executive Board Chairman, announced his resignation as Executive Chair in January. Scott will now become the Advisor for the Executive Board, replacing Gordon Wilson. Appointed to complete Scott s term is Brandon Story, from Edmond, who will serve until the next AGM in August when an election for the office can be held. Brandon has served OSA in many capacities. Most recently he was on the Youth Board as 1st VP in charge of ODP. He has also served as the State Youth Referee Administrator and as a Regional officer for the US Youth Soccer Association. Replacing Brandon as 1st VP of the Youth Board is his brother, Daryn, who will assume the oversight of the Olympic Development Program. Daryn has been involved with Edmond Soccer Club as a referee and Assignor for several years. Russ Lissuzzo will be the Youth Board s new Secretary/Registrar. Russ also hails from Edmond and replaces Marianne Ballard who has now been elected to the 2nd VP office in charge of competitive programs in the state. On the Adult Board, Sonny Dalesondro from Northeastern Oklahoma Adult Soccer Association will be the new 1st VP. Sonny replaces Armando Mendoza from Lawton. Congratulations to all the new board members and if you wish to contact them, their address is available on the OSA web site under the tab About Us and then the Board Members tab.

9 OSA Adopts New Tournament Hosting Rules Under new rules adopted by OSA s Youth Board, clubs hosting recreational tournaments may provide an Academy Division offered in the U7, U8, as well as the U9 and U10 age groups. The hosting organization will set the rules governing the number of players on the field and roster size. As to competitive tournaments, the Youth Board approved that U11 age groups may play 8 v 8 and/or 11 v 11 depending on how the hosting organization sets the rules governing the number of players and roster size. In addition, the Kohl s and Governor s Cup (OSA's Recreational State Championship) will now provide new brackets for teams. The Kohl s Cup will continue to offer the festival format for its U6, U8, and U10 age groups. However, if a U10 team wishes to participate in the Governor s Cup and compete for the U10 Bill Boevers State Championship Trophy, they may now register for that tournament if they choose. Another change in the Governor s Cup will place the recreation plus teams in the Governor's Cup bracket so they will not compete against regular recreational teams. You're glued to the game, and your psychological well-being hinges on your favorite team scoring the winning goal. It's then that you realize that the fate of the game rests in the referee's hands- -literally! Since the referee is a critical part of a game of soccer, responsible for keeping order and enforcing the rules, it's crucial for the true soccer fan to be able to decipher what he's seen and what he wants. Here's a crash course on "Refereese." Here are nine things to be aware of during the match that will help you understand what the referee is indicating. Listen for the whistle. A referee who blows his whistle has seen something, most often a foul, or stoppage The 2012 upgrade clinic was one of the largest classes in recert times, according to State Youth Referee Administrator David Ooten. With 26 candidates, the Stillwater High School classroom was filled with 19 candidates for the 07 badge and 7 for the State 06 grade badge. This is the last year candidates will be able to receive their badge at the clinic, says Dale Watts, State Director of Instruction. From now on we want upgrade candidates to attend the clinic before they are assessed or have a fitness exam. The purpose is to better track the candidates so that the State Referee Committee can be upgrade the candidate as soon as he/she achieves all the necessary requirements during the year. Under this policy, according to Watts, a referee who attends the upgrade clinic will have all of 2012 to be assessed, submit a game log, attend a recert, and complete the fitness exam. Most of the candidates could have all that done by the August fitness and recert meeting. If so, they will be upgraded at that event. If not, they will have until December 31 of 2012 to meet all those requirements. The referees in the photographs below attended the clinic but not all achieved the upgrade at this time. Referee Signals That Fans Should Know SMOKE SIGNALS 9 Upgrade Clinic For Referees Held In Stillwater in play, which requires him to immediately terminate play and deal with the situation. The whistle tone will often indicate the nature of the foul. A short, quick whistle indicates a lesser foul only punished by a free kick, and longer, harder blasts indicate serious fouls punishable by cards or penalty kicks. Watch for the advantage. A referee who, without blowing his whistle, points both arms out, has seen a foul but has decided to play advantage. In advantage, the referee delays the call because he believes that the fouled team still has the advantage in the situation. Typically the referee will give around 3 seconds to determine who comes out on top. 07 Candidates - Chris Bares, Rick Boswell, Ernesto Calamateo, Rachel Cap, Jeremy Crockett, David Doss, Jeffrey Fitzpatrick, George Freedman, Jeremy Herrmann, Cameron Hudgins, Mike Kashef, Marc Langebartels, Rick Marchant, Jeremiah Neely, Brando Queri, Andrew Rankin, Roy Robinson, Joel Rutherford, and Richard Wright. 06 Candidates - Grahm Burleson, David Bykowski, Suzanne Forler, Travis Haight, Sam Merchant, Michael Swan, and Brook Weiss. If, at the end of the 3 seconds, an advantage was gained by the fouled team, such as possession being kept or a goal being scored, the foul will be ignored by the referee. If the foul warranted a card, however, he will show the card at the next stoppage in play. Watch for direct free kicks. To signal a direct free kick, or DFK, a referee will blow his whistle and point with a raised arm in the direction of the goal that the team who has been awarded the free kick is attacking. A DFK is awarded when one of the players commits one of the ten penal fouls against an opponent. A goal may be scored from a DFK. Watch for indirect free kicks. If after signaling for a free kick the referee keeps his hand above his head then he is signaling for an indirect free kick, or IFK. An IFK is awarded for any foul not falling under the category of penal foul, or a foul which is not committed against opponents. A goal may not be scored from an IFK until it has touched another player. When signaling for an IFK, the referee will keep his hand up until after the ball has been kicked and touched by another player. Watch for the penalty kick. A referee who points directly to the penalty spot, or the spot two-thirds of the way between the penalty area line and goal area line, is indicating that a player has see Ref Signals, on page 10

10 10 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION Take some open space, something to kick and a few kids and you can have a soccer game. For most of the world, that's how soccer is played. While players do possess balls, there's no problem substituting a tin can, melon, or box if a ball can't be found. Few kids possess shin guards and fields with crisp white lines aren't found in most towns and villages. That soccer can be played without anything we regard as soccer essentials probably explains its popularity. In our own house we had a firm rule that no balls were to be in the house, and should one roll its way in, no balls were to be kicked in the house. So the boys quickly found lots of substitutes such as bundled socks, towels wrapped in a rubber band, pillows, shoes, even a round candle. Once they fell in love with soccer, there was no stopping soccer play no matter where we were and no matter how many restrictions I imposed. They found a way around it. Eventually, we cleared out the basement, put taped goals up on the opposing walls and let the boys go. One wall was paneling that set off an office space behind and in just a week's time we were able to see through to the office without any problem. committed a DFK offense within his own penalty area and a penalty kick has been issued. Watch for the yellow card. A referee who shows a player a yellow card is indicating that the player has committed one of the seven cautionable offenses. A player who is issued a yellow card is noted by the referee, and if a second yellow card is issued, the player is sent off. Watch for the red card. A referee who shows a player the red card is indicating that the player has committed a serious offense, one of the seven "deadly sins" send-off offenses, and must leave the vicinity of the field of play immediately (in professional matches, this most often means he heads to the changeroom). Watch for other signals. A referee Ref Signals, story from page 9 From Simple to Complex By Susan Boyd Susan Boyd blogs on USYouthSoccer.org every Monday. A dedicated mother and wife, Susan offers a truly unique perspective into the world of a Soccer Mom. Birthdays and Christmas brought more and more soccer paraphernalia to add to already overflowing drawers and closets of soccer stuff. This simple game resulted in hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars of equipment, clothing and accessories. A ball wasn't enough; it had to be the official World Cup ball. Team uniforms wouldn't suffice; we had to add warm-ups, kit bag and "spirit" gear. Of course, as they grew older, they weren't on just one team. There was the club team, the summer league team, the indoor team, high school team and ODP. Then we bought the dresser to go in the garage with a drawer for each team so we could keep track of all the uniform items. Naturally there were jerseys for their soccer idols and flags for their teams. We subscribed to magazines, many of which came from overseas so cost twice as much. Coaches recommended instructional tapes and books. We bought portable goals. Then there were the peripheral soccer items like ornaments, computer skins, movies, picture frames, bedding and rugs. You probably have your own list that grows every month. It's difficult not to reward your child's passion with items that further fuel the commitment. It's who points at the goal with his arm pointed straight, parallel to the ground, is signaling for a goal kick. A referee who points at the corner flag with his arm pointed upward is signaling for a corner kick. Watch for goal signals. There are no official signals for a goal. A referee may point at the center circle with his arm pointed down however, it is a taken that when the ball has crossed the goaline between the goalposts, a goal has been scored (unless of course there has been an infraction of the LOTG in which case the referee will blow his whistle to indicate such and give an appropriate signal as to what the restart will be). The whistle is never blown to signal a goal. The whistle is only used to start and stop play. When a goal is scored, play automatically stops. great for our kids to love something and feel empowered by that enthusiasm. So we rarely begrudge them their wants. Eventually we find ourselves buried in soccer stuff. When it comes to soccer gear such as uniforms, cleats, and balls, we can donate those items to any number of agencies happy to pass on the equipment to less fortunate players in the U.S. and around the world. Despite soccer not requiring any gear, it's always nice to have some as it not only enriches the game, but helps players develop the proper skills. We usually gathered together our unused gear once a year and donated it by bringing it to our state association offices for the Passback program or to our local soccer shop that collected for the Armed Forces. Finding someplace to donate is easy and much appreciated. I'm not suggesting we shouldn't supplement the uniform and basic equipment needs of our children with extras. Every family has to decide what they can afford and what seems to be appropriate for their child's needs and wants. But I do suggest that you don't get sucked into a "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality. Even with unlimited funds, there is a limit to what a child needs to fuel his or her passion. So as you sort through the catalogs or visit the soccer store, you don't need to possess every scarf, blanket, and head band that exists. We quickly and painfully discovered that buying $120 official World Cup ball was money wasted. Within ten minutes of hitting the field that ball had sailed over the fence and into the Milwaukee River canal to make its journey east back to Germany. After that we never spent more than $25 on a ball. Likewise, team affiliations change rapidly as does idol worship, so we limited the purchase of jerseys to special occasions. In time you realize how much you have spent in essentially impulse buying and you learn to curb that. My admonition before we entered the soccer shop soon became "Don't Ask!" Still there was usually one shiny object that ended up attracting all of us. You know what I'm talking about. When people ask how much soccer costs I have to answer "0 to 10,000 dollars." And I'm not being flippant. Soccer can be as inexpensive or as expensive as we want to make it. Some costs are unavoidable as our players get stronger and more skilled. They will naturally gravitate to the more expensive select clubs where training costs are higher. But especially at the younger ages, soccer doesn't need to be much above the basic level of a ball, a uniform, cleats, and shin guards. Lots of soccer stores offer a great package deal for the $25 to $30 range that will see your young one through at least six months of training. If you want to supplement that with a warm-up or a bag that's your choice, but don't ever think it's necessary. If they love soccer and decide to pursue it further, there will be plenty of time to pull out that wallet. Plenty of time. Follow OSA on Facebook Friend Oklahoma Soccer Association

11 SMOKE SIGNALS 11

12 12 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION OUTSIDE THE LINES Bixby announces soccer complex improvements According to Bixby Soccer Club, a new and enlarged facility is on its way for this city south of Tulsa. Currently the club has 14 fields in use and with the passage of a city bond issue, the park could expand to nearly double that size and also have lighted fields. Bixby s complex will adjust their schedules around the construction which should begin this spring and be complete in time for the fall season. Tulsa s Mohawk Park complex For those who drive Highway 75 to Bartlesville, the Mohawk Park complex is nearing completion with all lighting standards in place and the fields prepared for sod. The AC Milan tournament for early June may play some games on the complex but the site is not ready for active play until later in the summer. Three Oklahomans to participate in Internationals Anna Beffer and Elizabeth will travel to Italy and Switzerland from March 25-April 3 to participate in US Youth Soccer s ODP internationals. Ainsly Wolfinbarge traveled to Costa Rica on February 23-March 1 with the 1997 age group for that international event. Adult State Championship Cup Completed The second annual Adult State Championship Cup completed play on Sunday, March 4 with seven teams participating in the event. The Championship Cup features first and second place teams from the ten adult leagues currently playing in Oklahoma Soccer. Two first division teams entered: B.A.A.C. Reserves from Northeastern Oklahoma Adult Soccer Association and the OUM- SC team from the Oklahoma College Club league. The second division bracket drew five squads from Oklahoma City, Lawton, Ponca City, and Tulsa. Representing the Central Oklahoma Adult Soccer League of Oklahoma City were the Midwest City Trojans and the OKC Natives. From Ponca City Adult League came the PC Dynamo. Lawton s Adult League sent Lawton Manchester United and NEOASA sent the St. Thomas Tigres. Matches for the Division II teams began on Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m. and continued through Sunday morning. Facing high winds and chilly morn- ing temperatures, the teams adapted quickly but by mid-afternoon, the temperature had climbed into the mid-sixties and teams abandoned long sleeved uniforms and warm-ups for regular outfits. Unfortunately, the high winds continued through till Sunday. The Division II standings were close until the Sunday morning matches pushed the St. Thomas Tigres and PC Dynamo to the top in the division. The two teams accumulated more points than the other five squads and therefore the 1pm match between the two teams became the final championship B.A.A.C. Reserves, Division 1 Champions St. Thomas Tigres, Division 2 Champions US Youth Soccer and Axon Sports Provide Concussion Testing US Youth Soccer, the nation s largest youth sports organization, today announces Axon Sports as a long-term strategic partner for computerized baseline testing for concussion management, leading the way in making soccer safer for kids at the grassroots level. Through the relationship, US Youth Soccer will provide member discounts and educational resources on USYouthSoccer.org. It will also provide more than 25,000 US Youth Soccer players free access to the Axon Sports Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT). The Axon Sports CCAT features a brief, online cognitive test that provides a before snapshot of an player s healthy brain activities including attention, processing speed, working memory, and learning for comparison to future results in the event of a head injury. Test results help qualified medical providers manage return-to-play decisions, reducing a player s risk of additional concussions before recovering from initial injuries. The International Consensus on Concussion in Sport recognized cognitive baseline testing as a cornerstone in an effective concussion management program. Once reserved primarily for professional and collegiate athletes, now youth sports leagues, teams and game. This worked out best for all involved because had a championship match had to have been played, there were no lighted fields available at the SLSC complex at 5 pm. The Division I game was played as scheduled at 3pm and provided a close game with three lead changes during the match. This is the second championship for both B.A.A.S.C. Reserves and the St. Thomas Tigres. According to Jalal Daneshfar, the winning teams are eligible to participate in the United States Adult Soccer Association regional and national tournaments with their wins in the State Championship Cup. Congratulations to the seven teams who participated and thanks go to the South Lakes Soccer Club for hosting the event. PRELIMINARY RESULTS Saturday, March 3 PC Dynamo 2 OKC Natives 2 Trojans 1 Lawton Manchester United 4 Lawton Manchester United 2 PC Dynamo 3 OKC Natives 1 St. Thomas Tigres 1 St. Thomas Tigres 4 Lawton Manchester United 1 PC Dynamo 6 Trojans 4 Sunday, March 4 Trojans 3 St. Thomas Tigres 4 Lawton Manchester United 2 OKC Natives 0 OKC Natives 4 Trojans 3 DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONSHIP B.A.A.C. Reserves 3 OUMSC 2 DIVISION 2 CHAMPIONSHIP St. Thomas Tigres 3 PC Dynamo 0 clubs have access to an affordable, convenient tool to help manage concussions in players as young as age 10. For more information on this matter, visit the US Youth Soccer web site at

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14 14 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION March 2-4, 2012 Patriot Cup Competitive Tournament US Youth member teams only City: Oklahoma City, OK Fields: Midwest City Soccer Club complex Web site: Contact: Donnie Hughes Phone: U9 U10 Academy Boys & Girls U11 U16 Competitive Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: David Moore March 23-25, 2012 Broken Arrow 8th Annual Spring Recreational Tournament US Youth member teams only Broken Arrow, OK Fields: Indian Springs Soccer Complex Web site: Contact: Keith Ash Phone: U6 Recreational Boys & Girls Festival format U8 U19 Recreational Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: Mike Naumann March 30-April 1, 2012 Norman Academy Invitational All US Soccer affiliated teams City: Norman, OK Fields: Gillis-Rother Complex Web site: Contact: Dustin Hooker Phone: U9 U10 Academy Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: Bill Pevarnik March 31-April 1 Lawton Spring Fling All US Soccer affiliated teams City: Lawton, OK Fields: Big Green Soccer Complex Web site: Contact: John Wells Phone: jwells52@fldnet.com U6 Rec Boys & Girls Festival format U8 U19 Recreational Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: Bart Scroggins starr15b@yahoo.com OSA APPROVED TOURNAMENTS This is not a final listing. Some applications are still pending. April 13-15, 2012 Spring Spectacular Recreational Tournament US Youth member teams only City: Oklahoma City, OK Fields: Midwest City Soccer Club complex Web site: Contact: Donnie Hughes Phone: dhughes@richlandresources.com U6 U10 Recreational Boys & Girls U9-U10 Academy Boys & Girls U11 U16 Recreational Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: David Moore mwcsoccerassignor@yahoo.com April 13-15, 2012 Red Earth Invitational All US Soccer affiliated teams City: Oklahoma City, OK Fields: NOKC Soccer Club complex Web site: Contact: Gary Boreham Phone: borehamsoccer@cox.net U9 U10 Academy Boys & Girls U11-U19 Competitive Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: Brett Dobie referee@noksoccer.com April 20-22, 2012 WSA Cup All US Soccer affiliated teams City: Sand Springs, OK Fields: Rivercity Parks & Blake Bingman complex Web site: Contact: Roger Bush Phone: rogerwsa@aol.com U9 U10 Academy Boys & Girls U11-U19 Competitive Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: Nabiel Kharoubeh nabielk@yahoo.com April 20-22, 2012 SLSC Spring Twister 2012 All US Soccer affiliated teams City: Oklahoma City, OK Fields: South Lakes Soccer Complex Web site: Contact: Brandon Lawless Phone: brandonslsc@yahoo.com U6 Rec Boys & Girls Festival format U8 U19 Recreational Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: Bill Pevarnik wpevarnik@att.net April 27-29, 2012 OK Texans Friendship Cup All US Soccer affiliated teams City: Tulsa, OK Fields: PSO West Bank complex Web site: Contact: Michael Nsien, Jr Phone: tournament@oktexans.com U9 U10 Academy Boys & Girls U11 U19 Competitive Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: Reza Namavar rezanamavar@aol.com May 4-6, 2012 Clinton Arsenal Cup US Youth member teams only Clinton, OK Fields: Schumacher Fields Contact: Lucas Martinez Phone: martinezb21@yahoo.com U6 U10 Recreational Boys & Girls U9-U10 Academy Boys & Girls U11 U16 Recreational Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: Ashley Rodriquez martinezb21@yahoo.com May 11-13, 2012 GCSA Scholarship Tournament GCSA teams only City: Tulsa, OK Fields: Union s Bill Boever s Soccer Complex Web site: Contact: Robert Allen Phone: rda89@cox.net U6 U19 Recreational Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: Dave Moore dave_5511@yahoo.com June 2-3, 2012 Adult 3v3 Kick It Tournament Union Soccer Club All US Adult Soccer members City: Tulsa, OK Fields: Union Soccer s Bill Boevers Complex Web site: Contact: David Dexter Phone: unionsoccerclub@tulsacoxmail.com All Adult Recreational and Competitive ages and gender Referee Assignor: David Dexter dexterb@aol.com June 2-3, 2012 Youth 3v3 Kick It Tournament Union Soccer Club All US Soccer affiliated teams Tulsa, OK Fields: Union Soccer s Bill Boevers Complex Web site: Contact: David Dexter Phone: unionsoccerclub@tulsacoxmail.com U6 U8 Recreational Boys & Girls U9 U10 Academy Boys & Girls U12 U19 Rec. and Comp. Boys & Girls Referee Assignor: Nancy Cornett unionsoccerclub@tulsacoxmail.com June 23-24, 2012 Woodridge Cup Ponca City Adult Soccer Club All US Adult Soccer members City: Ponca City, OK Fields: Ponca City Soccer Complex Web site: adult-soccer Contact: JB Bohon Phone: All Adult Recreational and Competitive ages and gender Referee Assignor: Jim McDaniel jim.soccerref@gmail.com Kid s Page Contest Winners January Danielle Walker Broken Arrow Ryan McCarthy Broken Arrow Andy Gamez Oklahoma City Vincente Marrufo Rios Oklahoma City Justin Snook Oologah Caleb Birkenfeld Owasso Allison Brewer Tulsa Tofunmi Fasesin Tulsa November Skyla Ulmer Duncan Juan Carlos Clausen Grove Connie Hinkle Midwest City Esther White Norman Alex Bradford Owasso Danyelle Lawson Wellston Congratulations to our Word Search Puzzle winners. The November winners names were left out of the past issue. I apologize for the error.

15 KIDS PAGE SMOKE SIGNALS 15 JOKES What s the best way to make straight A s? A: with a ruler Why did the witch need help with her homework? A: because she was having trouble spelling Where do pencils go for vacation? A: Pencil vania What do elves do after school? A: Gnomework What s the longest piece of furniture in the school? A: the multiplication table RIDDLES What time is it when you have to go the dentist? Tooth Hurty! Who likes to drink cocoa? A Cocoanut! What did one eye say to the other eye? Between you and me, something smells. What did the teacher say when it rained cats and dogs? Be careful not to step on a poodle! PUNs Police were called to a daycare where a three-year-old was resisting a rest I was going to look for my missing watch, but I could never find the time. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was a nurse said No change yet. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR COACH: Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized? Why do people run over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance? March/April Puzzle Look at the word list which contains words about Ireland and St. Patrick. Solve the puzzle, cut it out and mail to me at OSA, c/o Smoke Signals, PO Box 35174, Tulsa, OK Good luck and remember to PRINT your name, address, and zip code on the form below. I ll publish your name in the next issue if you solve the puzzle. Plus, you ll get prizes from Mazzio s Italian Eatery as well. Deadline for this puzzle is April 15, Name: Address: City: State: Zip: D Z E T N W S N A K E S D S D D Z I O R X U Y H X A N H X L U A N A E S S L T I A I J R O A R Y S V Y J W N L L E A A G Y U T T O P L T E L R A O I F V E Z S L E P R E C H A U N O M U G W C A I L T R G A O B T G J L L T I A O N A F R E O O R N D R O G T E E N T L M W P I R I S H A E L V H F A Z V C K C H G T R I J E A R I K F A K F M O G C G R S C M P J J R I L P B L O N T H X N J H T C R B U F W Y L X Z L Y A A N O U D O L D E D C T K D E D G N BELFAST CELTICS CLOGGING CLOVER DANCE GAELIC GREEN IRELAND IRISH LEPRECHAUN MARCH NORTHERN POTATO SHILLELAGH POTOFGOLD SNAKES RAINBOW SAINTPATRICK TOASTS SEVENTEENTH SEAN

16 16 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION American Soccer Company, Inc E. Anaheim Street - Wilmington, CA